The goal of the Intellectual Formation Program is, according to the Seminary’s Mission Statement, to form future priests “who are able to share in the three-fold office of Christ: teaching the Gospel, celebrating the divine mysteries and shepherding God’s people.”
 
Thus, Intellectual Formation “culminates in a deepened understanding of the mysteries of the faith that is pastorally oriented toward effective priestly ministry, especially preaching” (P.P.F., 138).
 
The knowledge attained during a seminarian’s course work is not simply for one’s personal edification, but is intended to be shared with God’s people through teaching, preaching and daily interactions with the faithful. As a result, Intellectual Formation, when integrated with the human, spiritual and pastoral pillars of priestly formation, has an apostolic and pastoral purpose.
 
The Intellectual Formation Program at St. Joseph’s fulfills the academic norms and mandates of the Holy See and the Program of Priestly Formation of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by offering a challenging curriculum which is faithful to the Church’s Magisterium and prepares students to respond to the needs of God’s people in Twentyfirst Century America.
 
The Seminary coursework is carefully integrated with the human, spiritual and pastoral areas of formation in order to form future priests who are knowledgeable and prepared to share their faith.